GameStop buys used discs, cartridges, consoles, accessories, and more for the trade-in credit. Many people are wondering if they can bring in their old and used video games without the case.
So, does GameStop accept video games without their original case or artwork? Here’s what you need to know.
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Does GameStop Accept Games Without Cases?
Yes, GameStop will buy and accept used games without a case or original accessories. This means you can bring a disc or cartridge in a ziplock bag, as long as it’s not too damaged and in working order. You might receive a refurbishment fee If the game is too damaged.
Will I Receive Less Value for Games Without a Case?
Generally speaking, you should receive the same trade-in credit for discs and cartridges without a case. That being said, this might depend on the video game title, locations, store, employee, and circumstance.
For example, you might receive more if you had a limited edition video game with a unique case or accessory. Another example could be older titles that are more difficult to come by. Again, your mileage will vary depending on the circumstance.
What Types of Games Does GameStop Accept?
GameStop accepts video games from various consoles from past and current generations. You can check the official GameStop website for the most accurate information available. Here’s a list to give you an idea of what to expect:
- Nintendo DS
- Nintendo 3DS
- Nintendo Wii
- Nintendo Wii U
- Nintendo Switch
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X|S
Does GameStop Accept PlayStation 3 Games?
Yes, GameStop accepts PlayStation 3 titles under their “Retro Gaming” tab. However, most of the games are only worth a couple of dollars in trade-in value. The PS3 titles that typically have the most value are games in Madden and Call of Duty franchises.
However, your mileage will vary depending on the time, location, store, game, and several other factors. You can check the official GameStop website or give your local store a call for the most accurate information.
Does GameStop Accept Xbox or Xbox 360 Games?
GameStop will accept Xbox 360 games. Unfortunately, most of the titles are only worth a few dollars in trade-in credit.
Depending on the location and several other factors, GameStop will sometimes accept Xbox titles. For example, you can find titles like Star Wars: Battlefront on the Xbox at select GameStop locations.
However, your mileage will vary depending on the time, location, store, game, and several other factors. You can check the official GameStop website or give your local store a call for the most accurate information.
Does GameStop Accept Retro Nintendo Titles?
Depending on the location and several other factors, GameStop will sometimes accept retro Nintendo titles. For example, you can find GameCube titles like Mario Power Tennis at select GameStop locations.
It’s unlikely that they will accept any games before the GameCube, Wii, or the original Nintendo DS eras. This means titles from GameBoy Advanced, and previous generations won’t be accepted.
However, your mileage will vary depending on the time, location, store, game, and several other factors. You can check the official GameStop website or give your local store a call for the most accurate information.
Does GameStop Buy Scratched Discs?
Depending on various factors, your local GameStop may or may not accept scratched discs. Whether or not your disc is accepted will depend on the quality, location, and employee. If your disc is obviously too scratched, they’re unlikely to accept it.
However, they might accept discs with minor scratches and send them for refurbishing. If they decide your disc needs to be refurbished, they’ll take out a tiny fee from your trade-in value.
Want to know more? Read our posts on Gamestop selling used games as new and does Gamestop give cash for consoles.
Will GameStop Test My Disc or Cartridge?
Typically, GameStop will not test discs or cartridges before accepting them for trade-in. However, this might vary on the location, store, employee, and disc. Generally speaking, a GameStop employee will check your disc case, included pamphlets, and inspect the disc for scratches.
If there are numerous visible scratches, you might receive a refurbishment fee and lose out on trade-in value.
What’s the GameStop Refurbishment Fee?
When GameStop accepts a console, electronic device, or video game disc that needs repairs, they’ll take out a refurbishment fee from the total trade-in credit. Items that need to be refurbished might include controllers with sticking buttons, consoles with broken disc drives, scratched discs, etc.
The refurbishment fee will vary depending on the item, the resale value, and the quality. For example, a video game rated at a few dollars might have a refurb fee of $0.50. On the other hand, a disc rated at $30 might have a fee of closer to $5.
You find out what your local GameStop might charge you for refurbishment by using the official store locator.
Will GameStop Accept My Game if It Doesn’t Have a Case?
Yes, GameStop will buy and accept used games without a case or original accessories. This means you can bring a disc or cartridge in a ziplock bag, as long as it’s not too damaged and in working order. You might receive a refurbishment fee If the game is too damaged.